Debbie Majka, President of The American Council for Polish Culture (ACPC) opened the Spring Board Meeting, April 20-21, in Cleveland, Ohio. Members were absolutely delighted by the extensive activities and food extravaganzas, which were hosted by Ben S. Stefanski II, President of the Polish American Cultural Center - John Paul II. Contributions made by Thad Cooke, founder of the Jamestown Colony of Poles in Cleveland and George Sobieraj, President of the Cleveland Society of Poles were also deeply appreciated.

During the business sessions, a number of committee chairs reported on the status and progress being made with various Council programs. Peter Obst dedicated great effort in arranging for the design, purchase and placement of an official Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission marker at the Benjamin Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia crediting the designer and chief engineer for this longest suspension bridge ever built during that time, Polish American Ralph Modjeski,. The application, accompanied by extensive documentation was filed in Dec. 2006, and after a torturous review process was approved on April 10, 2007. Joseph Zazyczny, a member of the Committee, has undertaken the task of securing permission and assistance in placing the Modjeski marker. The costs of casting and mounting this Ralph Modjeski plaque are being absorbed by Swift Mailing, Inc., operated by Edward Jr., Allen, Paul, John and Walter in fond remembrance of their father, Edward Szyszko. Pres. Debbie Majka has set a tentative date of Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007, for the plaque dedication ceremony.

Following the Friday business sessions, the ACPC board members were invited to attend a testimonial reception honoring Eugene Bak, who is a devoted activist in the Cleveland Polonia community. Mr. Bak is the Executive Director of the Polish American Cultural Center and was instrumental in reconstructing that facility to house cultural activities. Additionally, a Polish Heritage Museum was added to the Cultural Center in 2005 in order to promulgate Polish History and Polish Arts at a higher and stronger level. At the time of Mr. Bak's retirement he was serving as the President and Chief Operating Officer of the Mooney-Kokkola Chemical Plant. The audience was enchanted by the many testimonials honoring Gene Bak and by the charm and wit conveyed by this tall distinguished-looking honoree. The reception hall was jam-packed, clear evidence of the Polonia's high regard for Mr. Bak and appreciation for his exemplary work in promoting Polish culture and heritage. The event was highlighted by the presentation of the Knights Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland to Mr. Bak by Polish Consul General, Krzysztof Kasprzyk. In addition to a table laden with delectable hors d'oeurves that was constantly replenished, the guests were treated to a splendid musical interlude by pianist Jacek Sobieski and singer Dorota Sobieski who presented Moniuszko's "Znasz ten kraj" and a lilting Mazurka by Chopin. Sto lat, Eugene Bak!

After a morning of extensive committee reports revealing excellent progress and successes in the many programs and functions of the Council, the members were treated to a buffet of a variety of sandwiches, salads and desserts, which constituted a very tasty working lunch. The meeting terminated in time for the members to attend the Saturday 5:00 o'clock Mass at the beautiful St. Stanislaus Church. Everyone had the opportunity to pay homage and pray before the newly installed icon depicting St. Stanislaus and Pope John Paul II.

That evening the Board members were wined and dined at the Cultural Center where a delectable Polish cuisine dinner was served. The after dinner speaker, Dr. Thaddeus Radzilowski, Founder and President of the Piast Institute - Hamtramck, MI, stirred the listeners' intellectual faculties with his interesting, provocative and well-researched talk on Polish American culture in the U.S. as it relates to the culture and customs in Poland. It was fascinating to learn that a number of Polonia customs in the U.S. such as grinding and preparing horseradish at Easter time, is not universally practiced in Poland. In Poland, such customs are practiced only in some small towns. Influenced by their immigrant parents, U.S. Poles established their own traditions. Dr. Radzilowski also pointed out the significant influence that the Polish Catholic parishes have on the maintenance of Polish customs. Private conversations following the program, revealed that ACPC members admire Dr. Radzilowski's stimulating books and articles and view him as one of the outstanding intellects and leaders in Polonia today.

A vigorous and spirited "Bog Zaplac" goes to handsome, articulate and debonair Ben Stefanski who was the perfect host. He planned and arranged a thoroughly enjoyable and informative weekend for the visiting ACPC Board. Very hearty thanks are also extended to Thad Cooke for his important role in assisting with the arrangements for this highly successful meeting. Members are always intrigued by Thad's passion for Polish and Polish-American books and marvel at his infallible memory, which enables him to recall dates, names and the minutest details of history and events.

Council members are also most grateful for the gift of books and pamphlets, which Mrs. Thad Cooke assembled in parting gift packages. The books were generously donated by Mr. George Sobieraj, President of the Cleveland Society of Poles: Podhale by Jan Guft Mostowy, Steel Will by Wanda Sendzimir; and Cracow: An Illustrated History by Zdzislaw Zygulski, Jr. In reading these books, our members will once again raise their voices in praise for such wise and dedicated Polish American leaders as are found in the Cleveland Community. The Council was very pleased to welcome to the Board Dr. Maria Winnicka, the new President of the Polish Arts Club, Elmira NY, an ACPC Affiliate organization, who was accompanied by the Immediate Past President Mrs. Christine Markiewicz, a long time dear friend of the Council. A further delight was to learn from Dr. Winnicka that her Club is inviting the Council to hold its Fall 2007 Board Meeting in Elmira.

The 59th Annual ACPC Convention, hosted by the Friends of Polish Art - Detroit, (FPA) will take place July 10-14 at the Dearborn Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dearborn, MI. Convention Co-Chairs Mary Ellen Tyszka & Carol Surma and the FPA Convention Committee promise an interesting, exciting convention. Please join us! You will enjoy excellent Polish hospitality, good food, excellent music and friendly camaraderie. For registration information, contact Janet Franczek, 17238 Bentler, Detroit, MI 48219-1234.